Fresh

What does Drake’s A.I. Diss Song Mean for Rap?

Fresh defends Drake’s “Taylor Made Freestyle,” which uses dupes of Snoop and Tupac’s voices. Plus hear Confucius’ take on the University of Texas’ response to a recent pro-Palestinian protest along with other headlines, and Hip-Hop Facts.

Afrotech and Hubbledvision

Confucius and Fresh interview  J.M., the founder of  Austin’s Hubbledvision, and Chicago-based artist Blvck Svm about their musical collaboration and the Afrovision event at this year’s Afrotech.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about who wrote the treatment for Dr. Dre and Tupac’s “California Love” video, the debut of Will Smith’s “Summertime,” what Questlove called himself before he landed on Questlove, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Texas rappers can get lazy.

Confucius talks about Mike Pence dropping out of the presidential race, Trump’s lawyer’s claim that he can’t go to jail because he has a secret service detail, the data breach at the Austin Meals on Wheels and more on Confucius Reads the News.

What Does Artist Cey Adams Have to Say?

Confucius and Fresh interview hip-hop art legend Cey Adams, former creative director for Def Jam who designed album covers for everyone from Run-DMC to Jay-Z. They talk about his early days in hip-hop, what it’s been like to watch the genre evolve and grow, and his new show “Combinations” at the West Chelsea Contemporary in Austin.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Jay-Z’s first appearance on television, Jermaine Jackson’s diss song to his younger brother Michael, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that the culture put unrealistic artistic expectations on Bobby Shmurda after he got out of jail.

Confucius talks about the recently discovered flesh-eating parasite in Texas, the new speaker of the House, and Bob Mendez’s legal woes in Confucius Reads the News.

We ARE Playing Y’all & We’re at ACL Fest

Confucius and Fresh debate whether this is the best time for Austin hip-hop or not. Then they talk about this year’s Austin City Limits Festival, and relive their best and worst ACLfest memories. The Breaks will be interviewing Austin Artist Blckchyl ACLfest Bonus Tracks Stage Sunday, 10/15 from 2:45-3:15pm.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about Oukast’s Auqemini, why Russell Simmons passed on Nas’ Illmatic, and more, and how Baja Men’s “Who Let the Dogs Out” originated at Austin’s Reagan High School.

Fresh States the Unpopular Opinion that James Fauntleroy is the greatest songwriter-producer of a generation.

Confucius talks about Beyoncé’s record Renaissance tour profits, Austin’s status as a great place to open a business, Donald Trump’s gag order,   Kevin McCarthy’s ouster as speaker of the house, and more in Confucius Reads the News.

 

 

Stop It Melle Mel!

Confucius and Fresh discuss Melle Mel’s comments about Kendrick Lamar, Lil Wayne, and Eminem. Then they debate whether or not best-of lists are an attempt to keep New York hip-hop relevant.

You’ll hear a special “What If?” version of Hip-Hop Facts where they ask what would have happened to Method Man’s debut album if RZA’s basement hadn’t flooded, what if Pimp C hadn’t gone to jail, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Melle Mel was right that Kendrick Lamar being named as one of the greatest rappers of all time is a bit premature.

Confucius talks about how US music retail revenue is up, the House’s investigation of Twitter, Tucker Carlson’s real feelings about Donald Trump, and more in Confucius Reads the News.

 

 

 

All Are Welcome

Fresh and Confucius try to dispel the myth that native Austinites don’t celebrate artists who aren’t from here. They also talk about how few dedicated spaces there are for hip-hop in Austin.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the first recording Alicia Keys debuted on, the truth about whether Big L was going to sign to Rocafella, where Frank Ocean’s Nostalgia Ultra debuted, and more!

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that when it comes to hip-hop, the argument that quality is better than quantity doesn’t hold up.

Confucius talks about Marjorie Taylor Greene’s call for a “national divorce,” the Fox News texts that came to light as a result of the Dominion lawsuit, Quavo’s new song “Greatness” and more on Confucius Reads the News.

Grammys So Black

Confucius and Fresh Interview Austin hip-hop artist Vintage Jay about his upcoming album and his other projects. Then they discuss the recent Grammy Awards, which featured a celebration of 50 years of hip-hop.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about the connection between Kanye’s song “Big Brother” and Prince, how Jay-Z ended up on Joe Budden’s “Pump it Up” Remix, why 50 Cent once played the Delco Center in Austin, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that concerts, as we know them, may be winding down.

Confucius talks about the upcoming Super Bowl, Biden’s State of the Union address and the recent ice storm in Austin in Confucius Reads the News.

 

Where’d the Groups Go???

After watching Xscape perform at the Soul Train Awards, Fresh and Confucius try to figure out why there aren’t R&B Groups anymore.

You’ll learn Hip-Hop Facts about what Ice Cube charges for features, who Tupac was flipping off after he was shot, and who owns the last know J Dilla beats.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that the Grammys do, in fact, matter.

Confucius talks about the new House minority leader Hakeem Jeffries, Trump’s Tax returns, Congress’s same-sex and interracial marriage bill, and more in Confucius Reads the News.

Chaining Day

This week on The Breaks Fresh and Confucius discuss Dame Dash’s claim that the only valid Roc-a-fella chains are the ones that he’s given out.

In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts, you’ll learn about Ron Browz’s involvement in Big L’s song “Ebonics,” how the Notorious B.I.G. wrote the entire album for Junior M.A.F.I.A ,  how Keir Worthy was the first person to bring hip-hop to SXSW, and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Warner Bros and DC Comics need to stop making Batman movies.

Confucius talks about Lil Durk’s comments about his fiancé and her body count, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Chris Brown’s recent sexual assault scandal.

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

Jeen-Yuhs

Confucius and Fresh discuss the Kanye West documentary “Jeen-Yuhs” and talk about The Game’s comments about Kanye and Dr. Dre.

In this week’s installment of  Hip-Hop Facts, you’ll learn interesting tidbits about the Young Gunz song “Never Take Me Alive,  the Connection between 50 Cent’s album The Massacre, and The Game’s record The Documentary, who was actually in Kanye West’s hip-hop bear mascot and more.

Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that there are no hip-hop superstars outside of Kendrick, J Cole, and Drake.

And Confucius talks about the president’s State of the Union, the beef between NBA Youngboy and Lil Durk, the war in Ukraine, and more.

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

All About Samples

This week on The Breaks:

  • Confucius and Fresh take a deep dive into samples and hip-hop. You’ll hear about the samples in  MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This,” Big Krit’s first two albums, Joe Budden’s “Pump it Up,” Sisqo’s “Thong Song,” Puff Daddy’s “Been Around the Word,” Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby,” Jay-Z’s “Hard Knock Life,” Biggie Small’s “Juicy,” and more!
  • Fresh states the Unpopular Opinion that Frank Ocean’s cover of the Isely Brothers of “At Your Best (You Are Love)” is better than Aaliyah’s cover of the same song.
  • In his Confucius Reads the News segment, Confucius talks about Cardi B’s recent legal win, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer’s retirement announcement, the recent SWAT raid on NBA Youngboy’s house, and more!

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

5 Years of The Breaks

This week on The Breaks:

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

TROY NōKA Speaks

This week on The Breaks:

OG Ron C Speaks

This week on the Breaks:

  • Confucius and Fresh talk to legendary Houston DJ OG Ron C.  He reached out to them after they spoke on his comments about DJ Screw on on The Donnie Houston podcast. He also talks about his early days as co-founder of Swishahouse and tells a hilarious story about Pimp C.
  • In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn interesting tidbits about the origins of Paul Wall and Chamillionaire, UGK’s song International Players Anthem, how Bun B met Drake, the rise of Swishahouse and more.
  • In his Unpopular Opinion Fresh boldly states that Wale is one of the greatest rappers of our generation.
  • In his Confucius Says segment Confucius encourages people to keep their ego in check.

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

The Breaks Live at ACL Fest 2021

This week on the Breaks:

  • Confucius and Fresh were out at the Austin City Limits Festival for weekend 2.  You’ll hear their interviews with Austin artists Mike Melinoe and Sheila, recorded live at the ACLfest Bonus Tracks stage.
  • In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts, you’ll hear about the surprising connection between Megan Thee Stallion and Q-tip, how 50 Cent passed on Freddy Gibbs,  Aaliyah’s intro to 4 page letter, how Rick James felt about MC Hammer’s “U Can’t Touch This,” the story of Prince and Michael Jackson’s Bad and more.
  • Confucius and Fresh discuss OG Ron C’s assertion that DJ Screw didn’t actually chop and screw beats.
  • Fresh puts forth the Unpopular Opinion that Texas Hip-Hop deserves more appreciation than it is currently getting and should get its flowers now!
  • In his Confucius Says segment Confucius says that even though he’s been a fan of comedian Dave Chappelle he thinks the comedian needs to shut the hell up.

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

Dr. Nicki vs The Vaccine

This week on the Breaks:

  • Confucius and Fresh discuss Nicki Minaj’s recent comments about the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • Both hosts discuss whether Drake’s music has become redundant after the release of his latest record “Certified Lover Boy.”
  • In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn about the origin of the term hip-hop, how KUTX DJ Jody Denberg grew up in the Bronx around the time that hip-hop was being created,  how RBX never wanted to be a rapper and what happened when the Lords of the Underground threw UGK’s demo tape out a window.
  • In his Unpopular Opinion Fresh answers the question “Is Drake the GOAT?”
  • In his Confucius Says segment, Confucius encourages listeners to surround themselves with people who respect them and don’t cause trouble.

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

Rest in Power MKW

This week on The Breaks:

  • Confucius and Fresh pay tribute to actor Michael K. Williams.
  • The hosts discuss the upcoming Verzuz between Jah Rule and Fat Joe.
  • In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop Facts you’ll learn interesting tidbits about Jay Z’s “The Blueprint,” Nas, the time the Lox almost stabbed Mike Tyson, Beanie Sigel’s album “The Truth” and more.
  • After Tidal’s recent tweet, Fresh and Confucius answer the question “Would you rather have $500,000 or a dinner with Jay Z.”
  • After finding out that an Austin artist obviously bought streams, Confucius uses his Confucius Says segment to encourage aspiring artists to fake it ’til they make it…within reason.

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

Kendrick Speaks!

In this episode of The Breaks

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

Dipset Debacle

This week on The Breaks:

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.

 

Is Ye Back?

This week on The Breaks:

  • Confucius is out, so Fresh talks about Kanye West’s latest unfulfilled promise to release his latest album, Donda, on July 24th and wonders if this new record signals a return of the old Kanye.
  • Fresh lays out who he thinks might win the upcoming versus between Dipset and the Lox.
  • In this week’s installment of Hip-Hop facts you’ll learn interesting tidbits about UGK’s “One Day,” Outkast’s “Slump” and the Atlanta rap group D4L.
  • Fresh talks explains why he think that Isaiah Rashad’s new release The House is Burning is a contender for album of the year.
  • In his Unpopular Opinion, Fresh discusses Coi Leray’s XXL Freestyle and states that people have to let go of “trolling” as a scapegoat for people who don’t take rapping seriously

You can hear the latest full broadcast of The Breaks Saturday night show.